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The Promoting Travel, Commerce, and National Security Act Paves the Way for Preclearance Expansion at Land, Rail, Marine and Air Ports

THE UNITED STATES CURRENTLY OPERATES PRECLEARANCE FACILITIES AT 15 AIRPORTS IN SIX COUNTRIES, INCLUDING CANADA: New legislation would facilitate and accelerate preclearance operations. (Image: Ververidis Vasilis / Shutterstock.com)

The Promoting Travel, Commerce, and National Security Act paves the way for expansion of preclearance facilities, operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, at land, rail, marine and air ports of departure in Canada.

Expanding preclearance operations was on the table for further discussion when Prime Minister Trudeau arrived for the first state visit to Washington by a Canadian leader in two decades. The two governments reached an agreement about preclearance on March 16, 2015 and the bill introduced Tuesday is a necessary step toward solidifying the agreement.

The bill was introduced in the Senate by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). Bipartisan companion legislation was introduced Tuesday in the House of Representatives, led by Representatives Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) and Annie Kuster (D-N.H.).

The United States currently operates preclearance facilities at 15 airports in six countries, including Canada. These facilities allow travelers to pass through CBP inspections prior to traveling, expediting their arrival in the United States, and protecting national security by identifying individuals who represent a threat to U.S. national security before they depart foreign soil. Under the new agreement, the United States will expand its preclearance operations in Canada, which will include rail preclearance facilities for the first time. The Leahy-authored legislation is a necessary prerequisite to full implementation of this agreement, and therefore to the benefits of expanded preclearance operations in Canada.

“In Vermont, we look to our Canadian neighbors as partners in trade and commerce, and as joint stewards of our shared communities,” said Leahy.

“This significant, bipartisan legislation is great news for U.S.-Canadian relations and will go a long way to benefit our Upstate New York economy,” said Stefanik. “Increasing commerce with our Canadian neighbors is a top economic priority for our region, and this legislation will help build increased economic ties while supporting travel, commerce, and tourism between our two nations as well.”

The Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) applauded the bipartisan introduction of the legislation, saying it will streamline commerce and travel between Canada and the United States.

“Preclearance is a priority issue,” said Matt Morrison, the organization’s executive director. “We will continue to look for opportunities to keep moving preclearance forward until it is fully implemented in both countries.”